The 118th annual Epiphany will take place on Jan. 6, 2024.

Our community has commemorated the Christ’s Baptism with the ceremonial cross dive for a century. The day begins with Orthros and Devine Liturgy services at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Following Liturgy, a procession of clergy and faithful winds its way to Spring Bayou. Once there, the Archbishop of America blesses the waters, as throngs of believers descend upon the water’s edge.

The Gospel of the day is then read and a white dove is released to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit. Each year, a member of the community, typically a young woman, is chosen to carry the dove in the procession.

After the dove is released, the Archbishop casts a cross into the bayou and young men dive into the waters. The one diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the entire year. Event Details at SpongeDocks.net

Blessing of the Fleet will take place on January 5th at the Sponge Docks. Details here at SpongeDocks.net